Whose approval do you want the most? Your parents? Spouse? Friends? Co-workers?
Whoever you choose will have the power to direct how you feel about yourself. You will attempt to be the person they want you to be in order to please them. They become the foundation for developing your self-esteem.
It took years for me to learn that I cannot rely on others to build my self-worth. Hearing praise is nice but it is not a permanent platform. Sooner or later it comes crashing down and I would once again feel worthless.
Self-esteem is most solidly formed when it is founded on the One who created us; in Him our value never changes.
That’s why I like the story of the crisp, new $20 bill. Its value is $20. But fold it, wad it, step on it or drop it in the dirt and what is it worth? $20. That is the same with your value to God. No matter what life drags you through, you remain just as valuable to Him.
Place your trust in that kind of love and you can start building a solid foundation for improving your self-esteem.

Have you ever been crushed by someone’s disapproval when you thought you were doing the right thing? What did you do to restore your confidence?

It depends on who the “crusher” is. A casual acquantence or someone I seldom see usually doesn’t understand my wonderful thoughts and actions. But the closer the person is to me, the more I am affected, and the greater chance I’ll go to impossible lengths to please them or withdraw into myself and hide from everyone. You had the real solution–go to Jesus and give him our troubles and try to see the situation through His eyes and love. Sometimes easier said than done.